B2 Bomber A Closer Look at the B2 Configuration

The B2 Bomber is capable of all-altitude attack missions up to 50,000 feet (15,000 m), with a range of more than 6,000 nautical miles (6,900 mi; 11,000 km) on internal fuel and over 10,000 nautical miles (12,000 mi; 19,000 km) with one midair refueling.

Brief History B2 Bomber

The B2 Bomber is a revolutionary aircraft

Unique flying wing configuration with the following design objectives:

– Serve as a multirole bomber – Stealth was extremely important – Had to be able to fly long missions

Development:

– Began in the 1970s – First off the line in November of 1988 – First Flight was July 17, 1989 – In 1991, B‐2 design team was awarded the Collier Trophy

Low Observable Characteristics

Stealth

• The key to Stealth is know how RADAR waves are reflected offa body.• RADAR waves reflect similar to light rays.• A light ray will reflect off a surface the same angle at which it encountered the surface.• To get a return a RADAR reflection requires a surface perpendicular to the incoming wave.

The B‐2 outer profile has a variable radius/ continuous curve that deflects RADAR waves at any angle (non‐tangential surface).

Thus, reducing it’s RCS.

It’s shape also allows for aerodynamic flow.

To further reduce it’s RCS the skin is coated with RADAR Absorbing Materials (RAM)